School Days
This afternoon Henry went to his friend C’s school, to his French class. I wasn’t sure what the teacher was planning, but it seems that she just asked Henry to read something in French so the class could write it down, and then the pupils were given a chance to ask him questions in French. I can’t help thinking that asking questions in English might have been better; their French isn’t good enough yet to discuss how life in France differs, or what school in France is like, or how he’s found the exchange - all of which might have been more stimulating than asking questions like “quel âge as tu?”, which they’ve probably already asked and answered dozens of times.
While I was waiting in the foyer for Henry and C, another mother came in and asked for one of the teachers; she was obviously angry about something. Henry and C came out; I chatted with C for a minute and then we heard a noise along the hall behind the boys. We turned to see the parent and the teacher, along with a couple of others, involved in a physical fight! I shut the door between us and the fight, and knocked at the secretary’s office to tell her, but she didn’t even seem surprised 
Henry seemed a bit down when we left, and said he was thinking about going home. I think he’ll be fine once he gets there and sees his family and friends, but I can understand that right now he’s thinking more about leaving us than seeing them.
He told me that the French teacher spoke to him a little in French; I asked how her accent was and he said it was okay. I commented, “Probably better than mine!” and he said, “About the same.” When I looked surprised (it’s a long time since I was fluent!), he said “Your French is good enough to teach French” - which is flattering 
- and then he added, “But I think you would be better as a maths teacher.” 
We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting my friend S’s house; she made a chocolate cake to wish Henry and Barney “bon voyage” and Toby swept her floors for her. To see him with brooms and mops, anyone would think I did housework
In: babies, conversations, exchange, family, life, outings and adventures, social stuff
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Just wanted to let you know i am really thinking of you all at the moment.
also really thinking of you. it is a brave and good thing you are doing, even if i’m not sure I could do it [but SB young yet!]. he’ll have a fantabulous adventure.
Argh at adults fighting!